On 18 Aug 2026, I gave a Speech on Israel and Australia's Foreign Policy
Transcript:
Ms WATSON-BROWN:
Here are the words of Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister for National Security, from yesterday:
Quote: “I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night. Not just those who pose an immediate threat – there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people.” End quote.
How can a Labor politician hear this and still fail to recognise that a genocide is unfolding? Minister Wong has told us that it’s ‘difficult to judge from afar’. Is this too difficult to judge?
How can Labor hear an Israeli government minister make this statement, and make the calculation that we still sell weapons parts to Israel?
How can the government see the civilian death toll, see the footage of children being starved, and make the calculation that we maintain intelligence arrangements and diplomatic relations with Israel?
This calculation – because that’s what it is – is very revealing.
It shows that Labor politicians ultimately are more loyal to their good standing with Israel and the US than they are to Australia’s basic humanity – our belief in the fair go for everyone.
There is no fair go in Gaza, and Labor doesn’t care.